Sable Antelope
Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Family
Subfamily
Genus
SPECIES
Hippotragus niger
Population size
75,000
Life Span
17-19 years
Top speed
70
43
km/hmph
km/h mph 
Weight
220-235
484-517
kglbs
kg lbs 
Height
117-140
46.1-55.1
cminch
cm inch 
Length
190-255
74.8-100.4
cminch
cm inch 

The Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) is an antelope which inhabits wooded savanna in East and Southern Africa. Local names for this species include swartwitpens (Afrikaans), kgama or phalafala (Sotho), mBarapi or palahala (Swahili), kukurugu, kwalat or kwalata (Tswana), ngwarati (Shona), iliza (Xhosa), impalampala (Zulu) and umtshwayeli (Ndebele).

Di

Diurnal

He

Herbivore

Fo

Folivore

Gr

Graminivore

Te

Terrestrial

No

Nomadic

Te

Territorial

Vi

Viviparous

Br

Browsing

Po

Polygyny

He

Herding

Do

Dominance hierarchy

So

Social

No

Not a migrant

S

starts with

Appearance

The Sable antelope has a compact and robust build, characterized by a thick neck and tough skin. It has a well-developed and often upright mane on its neck, as well as a short mane on the throat. Its general coloration is rich chestnut to black. Females and juveniles are chestnut to dark brown, while males begin darkening and turn black after three years. However, in southern populations, females have a brown to black coat. Calves less than two months old are a light tan and show faint markings. The underparts, cheek, and chin are all white, creating a great contrast with the dark back and flanks. Long, white hairs are present below the eyes, and a wide, black stripe runs over the nose. Both sexes have ringed horns that arch backward. In females, these can reach 61-102 cm (24-40 in), while in males they are 81-165 cm (32-65 in) long.

Video

Distribution

Geography

Sable antelope live in the southern savannas of Africa from the southeastern part of Kenya, in eastern Tanzania, as well as Mozambique to Angola and in southern Zaire, mostly in the Miombo Woodland Zone. They prefer a mixture of grassland and savanna woodlands and avoid vast open lands where possible.

Sable Antelope habitat map

Climate zones

Sable Antelope habitat map

Habits and Lifestyle

Sable antelope are diurnal but are less active during the heat of the day. Most antelope will travel about a mile each day, even less when it is the dry season. They live in herds numbering 10 to 30 individuals, typically females with their young with one male leader. Just a few of the most dominant mature males can obtain and hold territories, which they try to set up in the best feeding areas, because the better the feeding prospects, the more females will be attracted to the area. These animals are timid like most other antelope but will become aggressive, particularly the males, which can become dangerous if attacked or approached. When Sable antelope are threatened by predators, including lions, they confront them, using their scimitar-shaped horns. Many of these big cats have died during such fights.

Group name
Seasonal behavior

Diet and Nutrition

Sable antelope are herbivorous (folivorous, graminivorous) animals. They are specialized browsing animals and feed upon foliage, leaves, medium-length grass, and herbs, especially those growing on termite mounds. The leaves of trees provide 90% of their diet. They also visit salt licks and have been known to chew bones to collect minerals.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
May-July
PREGNANCY DURATION
9 months
BABY CARRYING
1 calf
INDEPENDENT AGE
6 months
FEMALE NAME
doe
MALE NAME
buck
BABY NAME
calf

Sable antelope are polygynous. Dominant males defend groups of females and their foraging territory, which can extend 300 to 500 meters from the herd. The dominant males vigorously defend the females in their harem against intruding males. The breeding season extends from May to July. The gestation period is around 9 months and a single calf is born, which is then left hidden in the bush or tall grass. The mother returns once or twice each day to suckle her young. In a couple of weeks, the calf will be strong enough to join the herd. Weaning occurs 6 months after birth. Breeding for females starts at 2.5 years old and for males at 5 years old.

Population

Population threats

Humans are the Sable antelope’s only real threat. The Giant sable antelope subspecies is listed as endangered because of trophy hunting and habitat loss. Studies show that malnutrition, disease, and habitat quality also have limited Sable antelope numbers.

Population number

According to the IUCN Red List, the total Sable antelope population size is around 75,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) and its numbers today remain stable.

Ecological niche

Sable antelope assist in cycling plant/grass nutrients into further areas. The young serve as prey for large predators.

Fun Facts for Kids

  • The Sable antelope is featured on the Rhodesian flag and coat of arms.
  • When ready to give birth, the female Sable antelope often in the company of several other pregnant females, leaves the herd and seeks a secluded place in the bush.
  • The Sable antelope was originally known to the native African people as Palahal in the Swahili language. Today throughout Africa and the rest of the world, the species is better known by its English-derived name, sable meaning “somber or dark,” referring to the beautiful dark coat.

References

1. Sable Antelope Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sable_antelope
2. Sable Antelope on The IUCN Red List site - http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/10170/0

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